Objective To analyze the efficacy of a new iron chelator, deferasirox, in treatment of iron overload secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and investigate its adverse reactions. Methods Clinical data of all the iron overload patients secondary to MDS who receiving deferasirox therapy in our hospital from January 2012 to April 2014 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Their serum ferritin (SF) level, amount of red blood cell transfusion, and hemoglobin level were measured and recorded before and after treatment, and adverse reactions were observed. Results There were totally 8 cases of MDS secondary iron overload enrolled in this study. They were 7 males and 1 female, and at a median age of 52 (ranging from 38 to 71) years. After 3 months’ treatment, complete response (CR) was obtained in 3 cases, minor response (MiR) in 3 cases, and stable iron load (SIL) in 2 cases. The overall response rate was 75.0% (6/8), and the median amount of red blood cell transfusion was 2 (1-3) u/month. In 1 year after treatment, SF level was significantly decreased［(871.0±584.2) vs (2164.9±1233.6)ng/ml］, while that of hemoglobin was obviously increased［(101.5±34.59) vs (65.37±21.35)g/L］, with statistical differences (P<0.05). At this time point, 5 patients were out of red blood cell transfusion, and the amount of red blood cell transfusion was 0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 u/month respectively, for the other 3 patients. After 1 year treatment, only 1 patient died, 3 patients experienced nausea and vomiting, and 1 patient diarrhea. Conclusion Deferasirox therapy is safe and effective for MDS secondary iron overload patients.